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Natriuretic peptides (NPs) increase cGMP, show beneficial cardiovascular effects and has been shown to regulate energy metabolism in other tissues. However, little is known about their direct effect on cardiac mitochondria and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Here, we examined whether NPs increase cGMP around mitochondria and alter apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. Stimulating with ANP or CNP reduced apoptosis, together with reduced caspase 9 activation and cytochrome c release, suggesting that NPs decrease apoptosis through the intrinsic pathway that involves mitochondria. We engineered a novel FRET-based biosensor with high selectivity towards cGMP and targeted this to the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) and found that ANP and CNP increase cGMP at the OMM. Moreover, ANP and CNP increased phosphorylation of the pro-apoptotic protein Drp1 and CNP prevented fragmentation of mitochondria. We suggest that cGMP increase in the OMM microdomain inhibits the proapoptotic protein Drp1, leading to reduced mitochondrial fragmentation that inhibits apoptosis.

Aims Guanylyl cyclase-B (GC-B; natriuretic peptide receptor-B, NPR-B) stimulation by C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) increases cGMP and causes a lusitropic and negative inotropic response in adult myocardium. These effects are not mimicked by NPR-A (GC-A) stimulation by brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), despite similar cGMP increase. More refined methods are needed to better understand the mechanisms of the differential cGMP signaling and compartmentation. The aim of this work was to measure cGMP near proteins involved in regulating contractility to understand compartmentation of cGMP signaling in adult cardiomyocytes. Methods and results We constructed several fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensors for cGMP subcellularly targeted to phospholamban (PLB) and troponin I (TnI). CNP stimulation of adult rat cardiomyocytes increased cGMP near PLB and TnI, whereas BNP stimulation increased cGMP near PLB, but not TnI. The phosphodiesterases PDE2 and PDE3 constrained cGMP in both compartments. Local receptor stimulation aided by scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) combined with FRET revealed that CNP stimulation both in the t-tubules and on the cell crests increases cGMP similarly near both TnI and PLB. In ventricular strips, CNP stimulation, but not BNP, induced a lusitropic response, enhanced by inhibition of either PDE2 or PDE3, and a negative inotropic response. In cardiomyocytes from heart failure rats, CNP increased cGMP near PLB and TnI more pronounced than in cells from sham-operated animals. Conclusions These targeted biosensors demonstrate that CNP, but not BNP, increases cGMP near TnI in addition to PLB, explaining how CNP, but not BNP is able to induce lusitropic and negative inotropic responses. Translational perspective Although best known as heart failure biomarkers, natriuretic peptides (ANP, BNP and CNP) are important signaling molecules in the heart and other organs through increasing cyclic GMP (cGMP). Treatment preventing their degradation improves heart failure prognosis. To better understand their cardiac signaling, we employed fluorescent cGMP biosensors targeted to troponin I and phospholamban and found that BNP and CNP increase cGMP differently around these proteins in both normal and failing cardiomyocytes. This may explain the different effects of BNP and CNP on cardiac contractility and relaxation, with possible implications for understanding and treatment of heart failure.

Cardiac contractility is regulated by several neural, hormonal, paracrine, and autocrine factors. Amongst these, signaling through β-adrenergic and serotonin receptors generates the second messenger cyclic AMP (cAMP), whereas activation of natriuretic peptide receptors and soluble guanylyl cyclases generates cyclic GMP (cGMP). Both cyclic nucleotides regulate cardiac contractility through several mechanisms. Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are enzymes that degrade cAMP and cGMP and therefore determine the dynamics of their downstream effects. In addition, the intracellular localization of the different PDEs may contribute to regulation of compartmented signaling of cAMP and cGMP. In this review, we will focus on the role of PDEs in regulating contractility and evaluate changes in heart failure.

Natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR)-A (also known as NPR-A, NPR1 or guanylyl cyclase-A, GC-A) is an attractive but challenging target to activate with small molecules. GC-A is activated by endogenous atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and this activation leads to the production of 3’,5’-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This system plays an important role in the regulation of cardiovascular and renal homeostasis. However, utilization of this receptor as a drug target has so far been limited to peptides, even though small molecule modulators allow oral administration and longer half-life. We have identified small molecular allosteric enhancers of GC-A, which strengthened ANP or BNP activation in various in vitro and ex vivo systems. These compounds do not mediate their actions through previously described allosteric binding sites or via known mechanisms of action. In addition, their selectivity and activity are dependent on only one amino acid in GC-A. Our findings show that there is a novel allosteric binding site on GC-A, which can be targeted by small molecules that increase the signaling effects of ANP and BNP.

According to early models of GPCR signaling, G proteins only interact with activated receptors. However, some GPCRs were shown to assemble with G proteins before receptor activation, in accordance with more recent models. Previously, we found that the 5-HT7 receptor, as opposed to the 5-HT4 receptor, was preassociated with Gs, but the molecular determinants for this interaction are still elusive. In a series of chimeric 5-HT7 receptors with intracellular segments from 5-HT4, we determined the receptor-G protein interaction by performing antibody-immobilized fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and fluorescence resonance energy transfer. We identified the intracellular loop 3 and C-tail of the 5-HT7 receptor to be responsible for the preassociation with Gs, and we further delineated the TM5 extension in the intracellular loop 3 and helix 8 in the C-tail as the molecular determinants. These chimeric exchanges converted the 5-HT7 receptor into a collision-coupled receptor that recruited G proteins only upon agonist activation, whereas reciprocal exchanges converted 5-HT4 to a preassociated receptor. The 5-HT7 receptor displayed 2-component agonist-induced Gs signaling with high and low potency. In addition, the same segments were involved in low-potency signaling and preassociation. The correspondence between Gs preassociation and low-potency Gs signaling is a novel aspect of GPCR pharmacology.-Ulsund, A. H., Dahl, M., Frimurer, T. M., Manfra, O., Schwartz, T. W., Levy, F. O., Andressen, K. W. Preassociation between the 5-HT7 serotonin receptor and G protein Gs: molecular determinants and association with low potency activation of adenylyl cyclase.

5 HT receptors expressed throughout the human body are targets for established therapeutics and various drugs in development. Their diversity of structure and function reflects the important role 5-HT receptors play in physiologic and pathophysiological processes. The present review offers a framework for the official receptor nomenclature and a detailed understanding of each of the 14 5-HT receptor subtypes, their roles in the systems of the body, and, where appropriate, the (potential) utility of therapeutics targeting these receptors., Significance Statement-This review provides a comprehensive account of the classification and function of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors, including how they are targeted for therapeutic benefit.

Targeted temperature management is part of the standardized treatment for patients in cardiac arrest. Hypothermia decreases cerebral oxygen consumption and induces bradycardia; thus, increasing the heart rate may be considered to maintain cardiac output. We hypothesized that increasing heart rate during hypothermia would impair diastolic function. Human left ventricular trabeculae obtained from explanted hearts of patients with terminal heart failure were stimulated at 0.5 Hz, and contraction-relaxation cycles were recorded. Maximal developed force (Fmax), maximal rate of development of force [(dF/d t)max], time to peak force (TPF), time to 80% relaxation (TR80), and relaxation time (RT = TR80 − TPF) were measured at 37, 33, 31, and 29°C. At these temperatures, stimulation frequency was increased from 0.5 to 1.0 and to 1.5 Hz. At 1.5 Hz, concentration-response curves for the β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) agonist isoproterenol were performed. Fmax, TPF, and RT increased when temperature was lowered, whereas (dF/d t)max decreased. At all temperatures, increasing stimulation frequency increased Fmax and (dF/d t)max, whereas TPF and RT decreased. At 31 and 29°C, resting tension increased at 1.5 Hz, which was ameliorated by β-AR stimulation. At all temperatures, maximal β-AR stimulation increased Fmax, (dF/d t)max, and maximal systolic force, whereas resting tension decreased progressively with lowering temperature. β-AR stimulation reduced TPF and RT to the same extent at all temperatures, despite the more elongated contraction-relaxation cycle at lower temperatures. Diastolic dysfunction during hypothermia results from an elongation of the contraction-relaxation cycle, which decreases the time for ventricular filling. Hypothermic bradycardia protects the heart from diastolic dysfunction and increasing the heart rate during hypothermia should be avoided. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Decreasing temperature increases the duration of the contraction-relaxation cycle in the human ventricular myocardium, significantly reducing the time for ventricular filling during diastole. During hypothermia, increasing heart rate further reduces the time for ventricular filling and in some situations increases resting tension further impairing diastolic function. Modest β-adrenergic receptor stimulation can ameliorate these potentially detrimental changes during diastole while improving contractile force generation during targeted temperature management.

Although only β

PurposeWe previously reported that inhibitory G protein (Gi) exerts intrinsic receptor-independent inhibitory activity upon adenylyl cyclase (AC) that regulates contractile force in rat ventricle. The two major subtypes of AC in the heart are AC5 and AC6. The aim of this study was to determine if this intrinsic Gi inhibition regulating contractile force is AC subtype selective.MethodsWild-type (WT), AC5 knockout (AC5KO) and AC6 knockout (AC6KO) mice were injected with pertussis toxin (PTX) to inactivate Gi or saline (control).Three days after injection, we evaluated the effect of simultaneous inhibition of phosphodiesterases (PDE) 3 and 4 with cilostamide and rolipram respectively upon in vivo and ex vivo left ventricular (LV) contractile function. Also, changes in the level of cAMP were measured in left ventricular homogenates and at the membrane surface in cardiomyocytes obtained from the same mouse strains expressing the cAMP sensor pmEPAC1 using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET).ResultsSimultaneous PDE3 and PDE4 inhibition increased in vivo and ex vivo rate of LV contractility only in PTX-treated WT and AC5KO mice but not in saline-treated controls. Likewise, Simultaneous PDE3 and PDE4 inhibition elevated total cAMP levels in PTX-treated WT and AC5KO mice compared to saline-treated controls. In contrast, simultaneous PDE3 and PDE4 inhibition did not increase in vivo or ex vivo rate of LV contractility or cAMP levels in PTX-treated AC6KO mice compared to saline-treated controls. Using FRET analysis, an increase of cAMP level was detected at the membrane of cardiomyocytes after simultaneous PDE3 and PDE4 inhibition in WT and AC5KO but not AC6KO. These FRET data are consistent with the functional data indicating that AC6 activity and PTX inhibition of Gi is necessary for simultaneous inhibition of PDE3 and PDE4 to elicit an increase in contractility.ConclusionsTogether, these data suggest that AC6 is tightly regulated by intrinsic receptor-independent Gi activity, thus providing a mechanism for maintaining low basal cAMP levels in the functional compartment that regulates contractility.

According to early models of GPCR signaling, G proteins only interact with activated receptors. However, some GPCRs were shown to assemble with G proteins before receptor activation, in accordance with more recent models. Previously, we found that the 5-HT

Background and purpose SER100 is a selective nociceptin receptor (NOP) agonist with sodium-potassium-sparing aquaretic and anti-natriuretic activity. This study was designed to characterize the functional cardiovascular pharmacology of SER100 in vitro and in vivo, including experimental models of cardiovascular disease. Experimental approach Haemodynamic, ECG parameters and heart rate variability (HRV) were determined using radiotelemetry in healthy, conscious mice. The haemodynamic and vascular effects of SER100 were also evaluated in two models of cardiovascular disease, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and murine hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (PH). To elucidate mechanisms underlying the pharmacology of SER100, acute blood pressure recordings were performed in anaesthetised mice, and the reactivity of rodent aorta and mesenteric arteries in response to electrical- and agonist- stimulation assessed. Key results SER100 caused NOP-dependent reductions in mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate that were independent of NO. The hypotensive and vasorelaxant actions of SER100 were potentiated in SHR compared to Wistar Kyoto. Moreover, SER100 reduced several indices of disease severity in experimental PH. Analysis of HRV indicated that SER100 decreased the low/high frequency ratio, an indicator of sympatho-vagal balance, and in electrically stimulated mouse mesenteric arteries SER100 inhibited sympathetic-induced contractions. Conclusions and Implications SER100 exerts a chronic hypotensive and bradycardic effects in rodents, including models of systemic and pulmonary hypertension. SER100 produces its cardiovascular effects, at least in part, by inhibition of cardiac and vascular sympathetic activity. SER100 may represent a novel therapeutic candidate in systemic & pulmonary hypertension.

In cardiac tissue, regulatory light chain (RLC, myosin light chain 2) phosphorylation (Ser(15)) leads to modulation of muscle contraction through Ca(2+)-sensitization. To elucidate which kinases that are involved in the basal (diastolic phase) RLC phosphorylation, we studied non-contracting adult rat cardiomyocytes. RLC kinase activities in situ were unmasked by maximally inhibiting myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP) by calyculin A in the absence and presence of various protein kinase inhibitors. Surprisingly MLCK did not contribute to the phosphorylation of RLC in the non-contracting cardiomyocytes. Two kinase activity groups were revealed by different sensitivities to staurosporine. The fraction with the highest sensitivity to staurosporine was inhibited by KN-93, a selective CaMKII inhibitor, producing a 23% ± 7% reduction in RLC phosphorylation. Calmodulin antagonism (W7) and reduction in Ca(2+) (EGTA) combined with low concentration of staurosporine caused a larger decrease in RLC phosphorylation than staurosporine alone. These data strongly suggest that in addition to CaMKII, there is another Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinase and a Ca(2+)/calmodulin-independent kinase phosphorylating RLC. Thus the RLC phosphorylation seems to be ensured by redundant kinase activities.

Introduction The gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor (GnRH-R) has a well-described neuroendocrine function in the anterior pituitary. However, little is known about its function in the central nervous system (CNS), where it is most abundantly expressed in hippocampus and amygdala. Since peptide ligands based upon the endogenous decapetide GnRH do not pass the blood–brain-barrier, we are seeking a high-affinity small molecule GnRH-R ligand suitable for brain imaging by positron emission tomography. We have previously reported the radiosynthesis and in vitro evaluation of two novel [ 18 F]fluorinated GnRH-R ligands belonging to the furamide class of antagonists, with molecular weight less than 500 Da. We now extend this work using palladium coupling for the synthesis of four novel radioligands, with putatively reduced polar surface area and hydrophilicity relative to the two previously described compounds, and report the uptake of these 18 F-labeled compounds in brain of living rats. Methods We synthesized reference standards of the small molecule GnRH-R antagonists as well as mesylate precursors for 18 F-labeling. The antagonists were tested for binding affinity for both human and rat GnRH-R. Serum and blood stability in vitro and in vivo were studied. Biodistribution and PET imaging studies were performed in male rats in order to assess brain penetration in vivo . Results A palladium coupling methodology served for the synthesis of four novel fluorinated furamide GnRH receptor antagonists with reduced heteroatomic count. Radioligand binding assays in vitro revealed subnanomolar affinity of the new fluorinated compounds for both human and rat GnRH-R. The 18 F-GnRH antagonists were synthesized from the corresponding mesylate precursors in 5–15% overall radiochemical yield. The radiolabeled compounds demonstrated good in vivo stability. PET imaging with the 18 F-radiotracers in naive rats showed good permeability into brain and rapid washout, but absence of discernible specific binding in vivo . Conclusions The novel small molecule 18 F-fluorinated GnRH-R antagonist compounds show high receptor affinity in vitro , and may prove useful for quantitative autoradiographic studies in vitro . The compounds were permeable to the blood–brain barrier, but nonetheless failed to reveal significant specific binding in brain of living rats. Nonetheless, our approach may serve as a foundation for designing PET ligands suitable to image the GnRH-R distribution in brain.

Publisher's version, source at http://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.6479. The underlying mechanisms responsible for the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) in patients who have undergone androgen deprivation therapy are not fully understood. This is the first study to address whether β2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2)- mediated signaling may affect CRPC progression in vivo. By immunohistochemical analyses, we observed that low levels of ADRB2 is associated with a more rapid development of CRPC in a Norwegian patient cohort. To elucidate mechanisms by which ADRB2 may affect CRPC development, we stably transfected LNCaP cells with shRNAs to mimic low and high expression of ADRB2. Two UDP-glucuronosyltransferases, UGT2B15 and UGT2B17, involved in phase II metabolism of androgens, were strongly downregulated in two LNCaP shADRB2 cell lines. The low-ADRB2 LNCaP cell lines displayed lowered glucuronidation activities towards androgens than high-ADRB2 cells. Furthermore, increased levels of testosterone and enhanced androgen responsiveness were observed in LNCaP cells expressing low level of ADRB2. Interestingly, these cells grew faster than high-ADRB2 LNCaP cells, and sustained their low glucuronidation activity in castrated NOD/SCID mice. ADRB2 immunohistochemical staining intensity correlated with UGT2B15 staining intensity in independent TMA studies and with UGT2B17 in one TMA study. Similar to ADRB2, we show that low levels of UGT2B15 are associated with a more rapid CRPC progression. We propose a novel mechanism by which ADRB2 may affect the development of CRPC through downregulation of UGT2B15 and UGT2B17.

Sepsis-induced myocardial depression (SIMD) is an early and frequent consequence of the infection-induced systemic inflammatory response syndrome. In homiotherms, variations in ambient temperature (Ta) outside the thermoneutral zone induce thermoregulatory responses mainly driven by a gradually increased sympathetic activity, which may affect disease severity. We hypothesized that thermoregulatory responses upon reduced Ta exposition aggravate SIMD in mice. Mice were kept at neutral Ta (30 ± 0.5 °C), moderately lowered Ta (26 ± 0.5 °C) or markedly lowered Ta (22 ± 0.5 °C), exposed to lipopolysaccharide- (LPS, 10 µg/g, from Escherichia coli serotype 055:B5, single intraperitoneal injection) evoked shock and monitored for survival, cardiac autonomic nervous system function and left ventricular performance. Primary adult cardiomyocytes and heart tissue derived from treated mice were analyzed for inflammatory responses and signaling pathways of myocardial contractility. We show that a moderate reduction of Ta to 26 °C led to a 40% increased mortality of LPS-treated mice when compared to control mice and that a marked reduction of Ta to 22 °C resulted in an early mortality of all mice. Mice kept at 26 °C exhibited increased heart rate and altered indices of heart rate variability (HRV), indicating sympathovagal imbalance along with aggravated LPS-induced SIMD. This SIMD was associated with reduced myocardial β-adrenergic receptor expression and suppressed adrenergic signaling, as well as with increased myocardial iNOS expression, nitrotyrosine formation and leukocyte invasion as well as enhanced apoptosis and appearance of contraction band necrosis in heart tissue. While ineffective separately, combined treatment with the β2-adrenergic receptor (AR) antagonist ICI 118551 (10 ng/gbw) and the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor 1400 W (5 µg/gbw) reversed the increase in LPS-induced mortality and aggravation of SIMD at reduced Ta. Thus, consequences of thermoregulatory adaptation in response to ambient temperatures below the thermoneutral range increase the mortality from LPS-evoked shock and markedly prolong impaired myocardial function. These changes are mitigated by combined β2-AR and iNOS inhibition.

Background and Purpose Classically, ligands of GPCRs have been classified primarily upon their affinity and efficacy to activate a signal transduction pathway. Recent reports indicate that the efficacy of a particular ligand can vary depending on the receptor-mediated response measured (e.g. activating G proteins, other downstream responses, internalization). Previously, we reported that inverse agonists induce both homo- and heterologous desensitization, similar to agonist stimulation, at the Gs-coupled 5-HT7 receptor. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether different inverse agonists at the 5-HT7 receptor also induce internalization and/or degradation of 5-HT7 receptors. Experimental Approach HEK293 cells expressing 5-HT7(a, b or d) receptors were pre-incubated with 5-HT, clozapine, olanzapine, mesulergine or SB269970 and their effects upon receptor density, AC activity, internalization, recruitment of β-arrestins and lysosomal trafficking were measured. Key Results The agonist 5-HT and three out of four inverse agonists tested increased internalization independently of β-arrestin recruitment. Among these, only the atypical antipsychotics clozapine and olanzapine promoted lysosomal sorting and reduced 5-HT7 receptor density (∼60% reduction within 24 h). Inhibition of lysosomal degradation with chloroquine blocked the clozapine- and olanzapine-induced down-regulation of 5-HT7 receptors. Incubation with SB269970 decreased both 5-HT7(b) constitutive internalization and receptor density but increased 5-HT7(d) receptor density, indicating differential ligand regulation among the 5-HT7 splice variants. Conclusions and Implications Taken together, we found that various ligands differentially activate regulatory processes governing receptor internalization and degradation in addition to signal transduction. Thus, these data extend our understanding of functional selectivity at the 5-HT7 receptor.

Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) is recognized as an important neuromodulator affecting behavior and has been associated with the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The peptide has been shown to have a bidirectional transport through the blood–brain-barrier (BBB), which may account for the cognitive effects of systemically administered GnRH. In this study, four novel 18F-GnRH peptide analogues were synthesized and their in vitro and in vivo characteristics studied in male rats. GnRH peptides were assembled by solid-phase peptide synthesis, either as the full length D-Lys6-GnRH (pyroGlu1-His2-Trp3-Ser4-Tyr5-D-Lys6-Leu7-Arg8-Pro9-Gly10-NH2) or as D-Lys6-desGly10-GnRH-NHEt. In all, four GnRH peptide analogues were synthesized and reacted with N-succinimidyl-4-fluorobenzoate (SFB) to yield the fluorinated versions. Binding affinities of the analogues were determined in a competitive binding assay for both human and rat GnRH receptors. Ki-values for the GnRH peptides were found to be subnanomolar, with D-Lys6(FBA)-desGly10-GnRH-NHEt (7) being most potent with a Ki-value of around 50 pM for GnRH receptor species. Radiolabeling was performed using N-succinimidyl-4-[18F]fluorobenzoate ([18F]SFB) in 33.3 ± 12.8% isolated decay corrected (d.c.) yield within 1.5–2 h. Rat serum stability over 2 h revealed minor degradation (≤5%). For in vivo studies, 18F-peptides (4–30 MBq) were injected intravenously via the tail vein into rats and brain uptake was evaluated by means of dynamic PET (2 h) followed by biodistribution studies. PET showed limited or no uptake in brain for the 18F-peptides which predominantly cleared rapidly by renal excretion. Specific binding in the pituitary gland was confirmed for the 18F-peptide, 7, by blocking with the GnRH agonist buserelin.

How GPCRs and G proteins interact is important for their biologic functions and their functions as pharmacologic targets. It is still an open question whether receptors and G proteins are preassembled in a complex or interact only after receptor activation. We compared the propensity of the two G

We have previously shown that the natriuretic peptide receptor B (NPR-B) agonist C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) enhances cyclic adenosine 3´,5´-monophosphate (cAMP)-mediated signaling in failing hearts, through cyclic guanosine 3´,5´-monophosphate (cGMP)-mediated phosphodiesterase (PDE) 3 inhibition. As several signaling pathways are importantly changed in failing hearts, it could not be taken for granted that this crosstalk would be the same in non-failing hearts. Thus, we wanted to clarify to which extent this effect of CNP occurred also in non-failing hearts. Inotropic and lusitropic responses were measured in muscle strips and cGMP levels, localized cAMP levels, cAMP-PDE activity and mRNA levels were analyzed in isolated cardiomyocytes from left ventricles of non-failing and failing rat hearts. CNP increased cGMP and enhanced β1- and β2-adrenoceptor-mediated inotropic and β1-adrenoceptor-mediated lusitropic responses, in non-failing and failing hearts. The NPR-A agonist brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) increased cGMP, but did not affect inotropic or lusitropic responses, indicating different compartmentation of cGMP from the two natriuretic peptide receptors. cAMP-PDE activity of PDE3 was concentration-dependently inhibited by cGMP with the same potency and to the same extent in non-failing and failing cardiomyocytes. CNP enhanced β1-adrenoceptor-induced cAMP increase in living cardiomyocytes in the absence, but not in the presence of a PDE3 inhibitor indicating involvement of PDE3. In summary, CNP sensitizes cAMP-mediated signaling in non-failing as in failing hearts, via NPR-B-mediated increase of cGMP that inhibits the cAMP-PDE activity of PDE3.

© 2017 Bentham Science Publishers Background: Histone deacetylases (HDACs) emerged as important epigenetic regulators of gene expression. Method: In order to identify potential positron emission tomography (PET) tracers for imaging HDACs, we evaluated in vitro and in cellulo activities of some compounds that were reported as potent HDAC2-selective inhibitors. We observed marked differences between reported activity values and the values obtained in our assays for some of the compounds. To understand the structural basis of the activity of some of these inhibitors, we also performed molecular docking studies to understand their interaction patterns and binding modes with HDAC2. Results and Conclusion: We observed the low affinity compounds 4, 6 and 7 did not showed equal number of key ?-? interactions and hydrogen bonding when compared to high affinity compounds, and could be the possible reason for poor inhibition as reflected in in vitro assays. These preliminary experimental and computational results will help to interpret the HDAC affinity values of these key compounds with caution. ispartof: Letters in Drug Design & Discovery vol:14 issue:7 pages:787-797 status: published

Natriuretic peptides have received considerable attention in the recent years both as biomarkers for heart failure and as treatment for the disease. Atrial (ANP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) stimulate the natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR)-A, whereas C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) stimulates the NPR-B. Both NPR-A and NPR-B are guanylyl cyclases which generate cGMP when stimulated. All three peptides bind the NPR-C which does not possess guanylyl cyclase (GC) activity. Evidence is accumulating that natriuretic peptides are involved in regulating contractility and hypertrophic responses through a complex system of signalling pathways, both cGMP dependent and independent, in different compartments in cardiomyocytes. This review discusses compartmentalisation of natriuretic peptide signalling in cardiomyocytes, with focus on contractile and antihypertrophic effects in healthy and diseased hearts.

Background and Purpose Levosimendan is known as a calcium sensitizer, although it is also known to inhibit PDE3. We aimed to isolate each component and estimate their contribution to the increased cardiac contractility induced by levosimendan. Experimental Approach Contractile force was measured in electrically stimulated ventricular strips from explanted failing human hearts and left ventricular strips from normal male Wistar rats. PDE activity was measured in a two-step PDE activity assay on failing human ventricle. Key Results Levosimendan exerted a positive inotropic effect (PIE) reaching maximum at 10−5 M in ventricular strips from failing human hearts. In the presence of the selective PDE3 inhibitor cilostamide, the PIE of levosimendan was abolished. During treatment with a PDE4 inhibitor and a supra-threshold concentration of isoprenaline, levosimendan generated an amplified inotropic response. This effect was reversed by β-adrenoceptor blockade and undetectable in strips pretreated with cilostamide. Levosimendan (10−6 M) increased the potency of β-adrenoceptor agonists by 0.5 log units in failing human myocardium, but not in the presence of cilostamide. Every inotropic response to levosimendan was associated with a lusitropic response. Levosimendan did not affect the concentration–response curve to calcium in rat ventricular strips, in contrast to the effects of a known calcium sensitizer, EMD57033 [5-(1-(3,4-dimethoxybenzoyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolin-6-yl)-6-methyl-3,6-dihydro-2H-1,3,4-thiadiazin-2-one]. PDE activity assays confirmed that levosimendan inhibited PDE3 as effectively as cilostamide. Conclusions and Implications Our results indicate that the PDE3-inhibitory property of levosimendan was enough to account for its inotropic effect, leaving a minor, if any, effect to a calcium-sensitizing component.

Studies suggest that increased activity of Gi contributes to the reduced β-adrenoceptor-mediated inotropic response (βAR-IR) in failing cardiomyocytes and that β2AR-IR but not β1AR-IR is blunted by dual coupling to Gs and Gi. We aimed to clarify the role of Gi upon the β1AR-IR and β2AR-IR in Sham and failing myocardium by directly measuring contractile force and cAMP accumulation. Contractility was measured ex vivo in left ventricular strips and cAMP accumulation in cardiomyocytes from rats with post-infarction heart failure (HF) or sham operates (Sham). The β2AR-IR in Sham and HF was small and was amplified by simultaneously inhibiting phosphodiesterases 3 and 4 (PDE3&4). In HF, the inotropic response and cAMP accumulation evoked by β1AR- or β2AR-stimulation were reduced. Inactivation of Gi with pertussis toxin (PTX) did not restore the β1AR-IR or β2AR-IR in HF to Sham levels but did enhance the maximal β2AR-IR. PTX increased both β1AR- and β2AR-evoked cAMP accumulation more in Sham than that in HF, and HF levels approached those in untreated Sham. The potency of agonists at β1 and at β2ARs (only under PDE3&4 inhibition) was increased in HF and by PTX in both HF and Sham. Without PDE3&4 inhibition, PTX increased only the maximal β2AR-IR, not potency. We conclude that Gi regulates both β1AR- and β2AR-IR independent of receptor coupling with Gi. Gi together with PDE3&4 tonically restrict the β2AR-IR. Gi inhibition did not restore the βAR-IR in HF despite increasing cAMP levels, suggesting that the mechanism of impairment resides downstream to cAMP signalling.

Two novel small molecule gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonists (12 and 13) of the furamide-class were synthesized and evaluated in vitro for their receptor binding affinities for the rat GnRH receptor. Radiolabeling with no carrier added fluorine-18 of the appropriate precursors was investigated in a one-step reaction. Log P (Octanol/PBS pH 7.4) and serum stability of the compounds were investigated. The antagonists showed low nM affinity for the rat GnRH receptor. 18F-radiolabled compounds were obtained in high radiochemical purity (>95%) and specific activity (>75 GBq/μmol). These findings suggest this class of compounds holds promise as potential probes for PET targeting of GnRH-receptor expression.

Background and Purposes Myocardial C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) levels are increased in heart failure. CNP can induce negative inotropic (NIR) and positive lusitropic responses (LR) in normal hearts, but its effects in failing hearts are not known. We studied the mechanism of CNP-induced NIR and LR in failing hearts and determined whether sarcoplasmatic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase2 (SERCA2) activity is essential for these responses. Experimental Approach Contractility, cGMP levels, Ca2+ transient amplitudes and protein phosphorylation were measured in left ventricular muscle strips or ventricular cardiomyocytes from failing hearts of Wistar rats 6 weeks after myocardial infarction. Key Results CNP increased cGMP levels, evoked a NIR and LR in muscle strips, and caused phospholamban (PLB) Ser16 and troponin I (TnI) Ser23/24 phosphorylation in cardiomyocytes. Both the NIR and LR induced by CNP were reduced in the presence of a PKG blocker/cGMP analogue (Rp-8-Br-Pet-cGMPS) and the SERCA inhibitor thapsigargin. CNP increased the amplitude of the Ca2+ transient and increased SERCA2 activity in cardiomyocytes. The CNP-elicited NIR and LR were not affected by the L-type Ca2+ channel activator BAY-K8644, but were abolished in the presence of isoprenaline (induces maximal activation of cAMP pathway). This suggests that phosphorylation of PLB and TnI by CNP causes both a NIR and LR. The NIR to CNP in mouse heart was abolished 8 weeks after cardiomyocyte-specific inactivation of the SERCA2 gene. Conclusions and Implications We conclude that CNP-induced PLB and TnI phosphorylation by PKG in concert mediate both a predictable LR as well as the less expected NIR in failing hearts.

Small molecules interfering with Rac1 activation are considered as potential drugs and are already studied in animal models. A widely used inhibitor without reported attenuation of RhoA activity is NSC23766 [(N(6)-[2-[[4-(diethylamino)-1-methylbutyl]amino]-6-methyl-4-pyrimidinyl]-2-methyl-4,6-quinolinediamine trihydrochloride]. We found that NSC23766 inhibits the M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M2 mAChR)-induced Rac1 activation in neonatal rat cardiac myocytes. Surprisingly, NSC27366 concomitantly suppressed the carbachol-induced RhoA activation and a M2 mAChR-induced inotropic response in isolated neonatal rat hearts requiring the activation of Rho-dependent kinases. We therefore aimed to identify the mechanisms by which NSC23766 interferes with the differentially mediated, M2 mAChR-induced responses. Interestingly, NSC23766 caused a rightward shift of the carbachol concentration response curve for the positive inotropic response without modifying carbachol efficacy. To analyze the specificity of NSC23766, we compared the carbachol and the similarly Giβγ-mediated, adenosine-induced activation of Gi protein-regulated potassium channel (GIRK) channels in human atrial myocytes. Application of NSC23766 blocked the carbachol-induced K(+) current but had no effect on the adenosine-induced GIRK current. Similarly, an adenosine A1 receptor-induced positive inotropic response in neonatal rat hearts was not attenuated by NSC23766. To investigate its specificity toward the different mAChR types, we studied the carbachol-induced elevation of intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK-293) cells expressing M1, M2, or M3 mAChRs. NSC23766 caused a concentration-dependent rightward shift of the carbachol concentration response curves at all mAChRs. Thus, NSC23766 is not only an inhibitor of Rac1 activation, but it is within the same concentration range a competitive antagonist at mAChRs. Molecular docking analysis at M2 and M3 mAChR crystal structures confirmed this interpretation.

Myocardial connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) is induced in heart failure, a condition associated with diminution of β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) responsiveness. Accordingly, we aimed to investigate whether CTGF could play a mechanistic role in regulation of β-AR responsiveness. Concentration-response curves of isoproterenol-stimulated cAMP generation in cardiomyocytes from transgenic mice with cardiac-restricted overexpression of CTGF (Tg-CTGF) or cardiomyocytes pretreated with recombinant human CTGF (rec-hCTGF) revealed marked reduction of both β₁-AR and β₂-AR responsiveness. Consistently, ventricular muscle strips from Tg-CTGF mice stimulated with isoproterenol displayed attenuation of maximal inotropic responses. However, no differences of maximal inotropic responses of myocardial fibers from Tg-CTGF mice and nontransgenic littermate control (NLC) mice were discerned when stimulated with supramaximal concentrations of dibutyryl-cAMP, indicating preserved downstream responsiveness to cAMP. Congruent with a mechanism of desensitization of β-ARs, mRNA and protein levels of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 5 (GRK5) were found isoform-selective upregulated in both cardiomyocytes from Tg-CTGF mice and cardiomyocytes exposed to rec-hCTGF. Corroborating a mechanism of GRK5 in CTGF-mediated control of β-AR sensitivity, Chinese hamster ovary cells pretreated with rec-hCTGF displayed increased agonist- and biased ligand-stimulated β-arrestin binding to β-ARs. Despite increased sensitivity of cardiomyocytes from GRK5-knockout (KO) mice to β-adrenergic agonists, pretreatment of GRK5-KO cardiomyocytes with rec-hCTGF, as opposed to cardiomyocytes from wild-type mice, did not alter β-AR responsiveness. Finally, Tg-CTGF mice subjected to chronic exposure (14 days) to isoproterenol revealed blunted myocardial hypertrophy and preserved cardiac function versus NLC mice. In conclusion, this study uncovers a novel mechanism controlling β-AR responsiveness in cardiomyocytes involving CTGF-mediated regulation of GRK5.

5-HT4 receptor antagonists have been suggested to have clinical potential in treatment of atrial fibrillation, diarrhea-prone irritable bowel syndrome and urinary incontinence. Recently, the use of 5-HT4 antagonists has been suggested to have a therapeutic benefit in heart failure. Affinity for the hERG potassium ion channel and increased risk for prolonged QT intervals and arrhythmias has been observed for several 5-HT4 ligands. Serotonin may also have beneficial effects in the central nervous system (CNS) through stimulation of the 5-HT4 receptor, and reduced distribution of 5-HT4 antagonists to the CNS may therefore be an advantage. Replacing the amide and N-butyl side chain of the 5-HT4 receptor antagonist SB207266 with an ester and a benzyl dimethyl acetic acid group led to compound 9; a hydrophilic 5-HT4 antagonist with excellent receptor binding and low affinity for the hERG potassium ion channel. To increase oral bioavailability of carboxylic acid 9, two different prodrug approaches were applied. The tert-butyl prodrug 11 did not improve bioavailability, and LC-MS analysis revealed unmetabolized prodrug in the systemic circulation. The medoxomil ester prodrug 10 showed complete conversion and sufficient bioavailability of 9 to advance into further preclinical testing for treatment of heart failure.

Background and purpose Phosphodiesterases PDE3 and/or PDE4 control ventricular effects of catecholamines in several species but their relative effects in failing human ventricle are unknown. We investigated whether the PDE3-selective inhibitor cilostamide (0.3-1μM) or PDE4 inhibitor rolipram (1-10μM) modified the positive inotropic and lusitropic effects of catecholamines in human failing myocardium. Experimental approach Right and left ventricular trabeculae from freshly explanted hearts of 5 non-β-blocker-treated and 15 metoprolol-treated patients with terminal heart failure were paced to contract at 1Hz. The effects of (-)-noradrenaline, mediated through β1-adrenoceptors (β2-adrenoceptors blocked with ICI118551), and (-)-adrenaline, mediated through β2-adrenoceptors (β1-adrenoceptors blocked with CGP20712A), were assessed in the absence and presence of PDE inhibitors. Catecholamine potencies were estimated from –logEC50s. Key results Cilostamide did not significantly potentiate the inotropic effects of the catecholamines in non-β-blocker-treated patients. Cilostamide caused greater potentiation (P=0.037) of the positive inotropic effects of (-)-adrenaline (0.78±0.12 log units) than (-)-noradrenaline (0.47±0.12 log units) in metoprolol-treated patients. Lusitropic effects of the catecholamines were also potentiated by cilostamide. Rolipram did not affect the inotropic and lusitropic potencies of (-)-noradrenaline or (-)-adrenaline on right and left ventricular trabeculae from metoprolol-treated patients. Conclusions and implications Metoprolol induces a control by PDE3 of ventricular effects mediated through both β1- and β2-adrenoceptors, thereby further reducing sympathetic cardiostimulation in patients with terminal heart failure. Concurrent therapy with a PDE3 blocker and metoprolol could conceivably facilitate cardiostimulation evoked by adrenaline through β2-adrenoceptors. PDE4 does not appear to reduce inotropic and lusitropic effects of catecholamines in failing human ventricle.

Elucidation of cAMP and cGMP signalling in the heart remains a hot topic, and new regulatory mechanisms continue to appear. Studying the influence of phosphodiesterases on 5-HT4 receptor signalling in porcine atrium, a paper from this issue of the journal expands findings of a crosstalk between cardiac cGMP and cAMP signalling recently discovered in failing rat ventricle to a different species and cardiac region. The overall data suggest that cGMP, produced following stimulation of the NPR-B receptor for C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), inhibits cAMP degradation by phosphodiesterase 3 and thereby enhances cAMP-mediated signalling from β-adrenoceptors and 5-HT4 receptors to inotropic effects. In porcine atrium, this effect can be seen both as an increase in inotropic effect and as a reduced fade of the inotropic effect with time. Thus, accumulating evidence brings together several active fields of research, including cardiac phosphodiesterases, compartmentation of cyclic nucleotide signalling and the field of natriuretic peptides. If present in human hearts, this effect of CNP may have clinical implications.

SER100 is a selective nociceptin (NOP) receptor agonist with sodium-potassium-sparing aquaretic and anti-natriuretic activity. This study was designed to characterize the functional cardiovascular pharmacology of SER100 in vitro and in vivo, including experimental models of cardiovascular disease.Haemodynamic, ECG parameters and heart rate variability (HRV) were determined using radiotelemetry in healthy, conscious mice. The haemodynamic and vascular effects of SER100 were also evaluated in two models of cardiovascular disease, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and murine hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (PH). To elucidate mechanisms underlying the pharmacology of SER100, acute blood pressure recordings were performed in anaesthetized mice, and the reactivity of rodent aorta and mesenteric arteries in response to electrical- and agonist-stimulation assessed.SER100 caused NOP receptor-dependent reductions in mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate that were independent of NO. The hypotensive and vasorelaxant actions of SER100 were potentiated in SHR compared with Wistar Kyoto. Moreover, SER100 reduced several indices of disease severity in experimental PH. Analysis of HRV indicated that SER100 decreased the low/high frequency ratio, an indicator of sympatho-vagal balance, and in electrically stimulated mouse mesenteric arteries SER100 inhibited sympathetic-induced contractions.SER100 exerts a chronic hypotensive and bradycardic effects in rodents, including models of systemic and pulmonary hypertension. SER100 produces its cardiovascular effects, at least in part, by inhibition of cardiac and vascular sympathetic activity. SER100 may represent a novel therapeutic candidate in systemic and pulmonary hypertension.

The 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)7(a) receptor is a G-protein-coupled receptor critically involved in human psychiatric and neurological disorders. In the present study, we evaluate the presence and the functional role of N-glycosylation of the human 5-HT7 receptor. Western blot analysis of HEK293T cells transiently expressing the 5-HT7(a) receptor in the presence of tunicamycin gave rise to a band shift, indicating the existence of an N-glycosylated form of the 5-HT7(a) receptor. To further investigate this, we mutated the two predicted N-glycosylation sites (N5Q and N66Q) and compared the molecular mass of the immunoreactive bands with those of the wild-type receptor, indicating that both asparagines were N-glycosylated. The mutant receptors had the same binding affinity for [3H]5-CT and the same potency and efficacy with regard to 5-HT-induced activation of adenylyl cyclase. However, there was a reduction in maximal ligand binding for the single and double mutants compared to the wild-type receptor. Next, membrane labelling and immunocytochemical studies demonstrated that the N-glycosylation mutants were expressed at the cell surface. We conclude that N-glycosylation is not important for cell surface expression of the 5-HT7 receptor.

The aim was to identify kinase activities involved in the phosphorylation of regulatory light chain (RLC) in situ in cardiomyocytes. In electrically stimulated rat cardiomyocytes, phosphatase inhibition by calyculin A unmasked kinase activities evoking an increase of phosphorylated RLC (P-RLC) from about 16% to about 80% after 80 min. The phosphorylation rate in cardiomyocytes was reduced by about 40% by the myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) inhibitor, ML-7. In rat ventricular muscle strips, calyculin A induced a positive inotropic effect that correlated with P-RLC levels. The inotropic effect and P-RLC elevation were abolished by ML-7 treatment. The kinase activities phosphorylating RLC in cardiomyocytes were reduced by about 60% by the non-selective kinase inhibitor staurosporine and by about 50% by the calmodulin antagonist W7. W7 eliminated the inhibitory effect of ML-7, suggesting that the cardiac MLCK is Ca(2+)/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent. The CaM-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) inhibitor KN-93 attenuated the calyculin A-induced RLC phosphorylation by about 40%, indicating a contribution from CaMKII. The residual phosphorylation in the presence of W7 indicated that also CaM-independent kinase activities might contribute. RLC phosphorylation was insensitive to protein kinase C inhibition. In conclusion, in addition to MLCK, CaMKII phosphorylates RLC in cardiomyocytes. Involvement of other kinases cannot be excluded.

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is an important signalling molecule in the human body. The 5-HT(4) serotonin receptor, coupled to the G protein G(s), plays important physiological and pathophysiological roles in the heart, urinary bladder, gastrointestinal tract and the adrenal gland. Both 5-HT(4) antagonists and agonists have been developed in the aim to treat diseases in these organs. 5-HT(4) agonists might have beneficial effects in the central nervous system (CNS) and therefore, 5-HT(4) antagonists might cause CNS side effects. In this study, we have developed new amphoteric 5-HT(4) antagonists. A series of cyclic indole amide derivatives possessing an oxazine ring and a piperidine alkane carboxylic acid side chain and the corresponding prodrug esters were synthesized and their binding to 5-HT(4) receptors and antagonist properties were evaluated. In addition, an indole ester without the oxazine ring and the corresponding indole amide derivatives were also tested. Octanol-water distribution (LogD(Oct7.4)) was tested for some of the synthesized ligands. The main structure-affinity characteristics of the 5-HT(4) compounds tested were that the prodrug esters show higher affinity than their corresponding free acids, indole esters show higher affinity than the corresponding amides and ligands containing the oxazine ring in the indole skeleton show higher affinity than indole derivatives not containing the ring. One representative prodrug ester and its corresponding free acid were tested for binding on a panel of receptors and showed preserved selectivity for the 5-HT(4) receptor. These new molecules may be useful to target peripheral 5-HT(4) receptors.